Friedman, Billings, Ramsey analysts sounded the only positive note of the day on Symantec, calling the sell-off an "overreaction" to the concerns.

Blue chips finally posted their first winning day of the year Thursday, but techs finished lower once again, as traders remained cautious ahead of Friday's December jobs report.

The Nasdaq lost 1 to 2090, the S&P 500 climbed 4 to 1187, and the Dow rose 25 to 10,622. Volume declined to 1.57 billion shares on the NYSE, and 2.19 billion on the Nasdaq. Advancers led 18-14 on the NYSE, while decliners held a slight edge on the Nasdaq. Upside volume was 62% on the NYSE, and 43% on the Nasdaq. New highs-new lows were 36-16 on the NYSE, and 36-26 on the Nasdaq.

After the close, DoubleClick raised guidance, and Accenture beat estimates but warned. UTStarcom also warned, and Brocade said it will restate past results to include additional stock-based compensation.

During the day, Priceline gained 2.5% despite losing COO Mitch Truwit, who will become CEO of Cendant .

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